Mexico-born law professor Cuellar chosen for California Supreme Court

Gov. Jerry Brown announced Tuesday that he was nominating Mariano-Florentine Cuellar -- a Mexican immigrant who teaches administrative law at Stanford University -- to the California Supreme Court.

"Tino Cuellar is a renowned scholar who has served two presidents and made significant contributions to both political science and the law," Brown said. "His vast knowledge and even temperament will -- without question -- add further luster to our highest court."

Cuellar was born in Matamoros, Mexico, and for years crossed the border by foot to attend school in Texas. He moved with his family to the Imperial Valley when he was 14.

Cuellar obtained his bachelor's degree from Harvard College, his law degree from Yale Law School and a doctorate in political science from Stanford.

From 2011 to 2013, Cuellar co-chaired the National Equity and Excellence Commission, created by Congress to help develop ways to close the achievement gap in public schools. He also serves as a presidential appointee to the Council of the Administrative Conference of the United States, an agency charged with improving the fairness and efficiency of federal administrative programs. In addition he is a member of the Board of Directors for the Constitution Project, a national bipartisan organization devoted to advancing support for the U.S. Constitution.

Cuellar is married to U.S. District Judge Lucy H. Koh of the Northern District of California. They have two children.

After being reviewed by a state bar evaluation committee, Cuellar will go before a three-member state commission for confirmation. His name will then appear on the November ballot for voter approval.